Field tuning Kitaev systems for spin fractionalization and topological order

Abstract

The honeycomb Kitaev model describes a Z2 spin liquid with topological order and fractionalized excitations consisting of gapped π-fluxes and free Majorana fermions. Competing interactions, even when not very strong, are known to destabilize the Kitaev spin liquid. Magnetic fields are a convenient parameter for tuning between different phases of the Kitaev systems, and have even been investigated for potentially counteracting the effects of other destabilizing interactions leading to a revival of the topological phase. Here we review the progress in understanding the effects of magnetic fields on some of the perturbed Kitaev systems, particularly on fractionalization and topological order.